Milena Casado and Jackie Ribas to headline International Jazz Day celebration at +233. Two acclaimed American jazz performers—trumpeter Milena Casado and vocalist Jackie Ribas—are set to headline this year’s International Jazz Day festivities at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on Friday, May 3. They will be joined by the ever-impressive GHJazz Collective, adding local flair to an international celebration of music.
This year marks a historic first for the venue since it began commemorating International Jazz Day in 2012: two women will be leading the main performance. Music lovers across Accra are eagerly anticipating the unique energy and artistry that Casado and Ribas will bring to the stage.
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011, International Jazz Day highlights jazz as a global force for peace and unity. While officially celebrated on April 30, local organizers sometimes adjust the date to suit programming needs, hence the May 3rd celebration in Ghana.
A boundary-pushing instrumentalist and composer, Milena Casado is known for her distinctive voice in jazz. She has graced renowned stages such as Carnegie Hall, The Village Vanguard, North Sea Jazz Festival, The Kennedy Center, and the Montreal Jazz Festival, solidifying her reputation on the global scene.
Returning to the +233 stage is Jackie Ribas, who won hearts with her memorable performance at the 2024 edition of International Jazz Day. Audiences can expect a mix of jazz standards and contemporary interpretations, delivered with her signature finesse.
Completing the powerhouse lineup is the GHJazz Collective, featuring Bernard Ayisa (saxophone), Victor Dey Jr. (piano), Frank Kissi (drums), and Gaddiel Amoah (bass)—a group beloved for their tight musicianship and audience engagement.
+233’s past International Jazz Day concerts have featured international acts from South Africa, France, Kenya, Benin, and the United States, cementing the venue’s reputation as a jazz hub in West Africa.
Fans are in for a thrilling evening of world-class jazz on May 3 from 8:30 p.m. at +233—a night that promises rhythm, soul, and celebration.